From the editor’s desk

I was driving down South Euclid Avenue in Princeton the other day, and I saw two young girls — probably 8 or 9; one was laying on the sidewalk, and her pal was laying in the grass. The two weren’t doing anything except enjoying each other’s company on a somewhat steamy summer afternoon. I sat at the stop sign and watched for a minute. They chatted casually back and forth but made no effort to move. I’m assuming the ground was a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon.

I don’t mind telling you I was immediately jealous of those two little girls. Remember those days? Aaahhh ... what I wouldn’t give. Now if I decided to lay down in the grass to spend a few minutes of solitary summer time, I’m sure one of my neighbors would call the rescue squad!

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This Saturday, I’ll be helping at the south gate at Sheffield’s Music on Main event from 7 to 9 p.m. I hope you’ll come out to this event to enjoy the music, food and fun. It’s only $5 to get in, and if you come to my gate, I’ll be running a special of four people for only $20 ... See you there!

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Wild kingdom! I saw a coyote the other day out by Lake Thunderbird. It was in the middle of the afternoon, and it sauntered across the road in front of us. I understand the Quad Cities area is having quite a time with coyotes “visiting” in-town residents.

Last week, I saw a fox run across the road in Princeton just before noon by the fairgrounds; a deer munching on some grass at the Bureau County Metro Center; a beaver meandering down the road near the Hennepin Canal; an owl that has taken up residency in a friend’s tree; and raccoons in my yard that appear as if they are on steroids. Wow! You gotta love the Midwest!

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Have you sent in your nomination for our Women of Distinction Award? The deadline to do so is 5 p.m. Aug. 1. Need a nomination form? Give our office a call at 815-875-4461, ext. 223, and ask Christy to send you one. This is such a cool award. I hope you’ll nominate that special woman who goes the extra mile for the benefit of others. Call me if you have questions at 815-875-4461, ext. 229.

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Customer Service Kudos: I was at the Shell station in Spring Valley the other day, and after I filled up my tank, I ran inside to get all three of us a cold drink and three small bags of freshly-popped popcorn. Needless to say, my hands were full of glasses and bags of popcorn, and the gal behind the counter immediately came to my rescue with a larger bag to carry the smaller bags of popcorn. She was so nice. After paying, an area couple asked if they could help me carry our refreshments to the car. On the way out the door, somebody who held the door for me also asked if he could help. Wow! What kind folks! I left Spring Valley that day feeling pretty good about the kindness shown. We should all be so mindful ... Thanks, Spring Valley!

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Relay for Life fundraiser: Most of you know the annual Relay for Life is near and dear to my heart, and the Bureau County Republican is offering a cool way to help you donate to this cause, which helps those battling cancer while also contributing to cancer education and research. For every new, in-the-area subscription (can not have been a subscriber for the past 30 days), the BCR will donate up to $30 to Relay for Life. That’s for a full year subscription. For six-month and three-month subscriptions, we’ll donate $20 and $10, respectively. Call Brandie in our Circulation Department for more information at 815-875-4461, ext. 239.

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The heat is on ... Stay cool and please check on elderly friends/neighbors. Also, make sure your pets have plenty of cool, fresh water available. Remember to take time for you ... And also remember you are important to me and the BCR.